Nasher Market responds after Nakuru shoppers complain of harassment

Nasher Market management has responded to public outrage over the alleged harassment of women and shoppers by traders and brokers operating at the market.

Complaints about the brokers, locally known as 'strikers', went viral on social media after being highlighted by Mtaa Wangu. The complaints accused the brokers of aggressively approaching and intimidating customers, especially women.

The market's chairman, Michael Chege (popularly known as Murungaru), acknowledged the complaints, but says that the issue is not unique to Nasher Market.

“The complaints are genuine, but harassment is not only happening at Nasher Market. It also occurs along Mburu Gichua, Taifa Lane and in other parts of Nakuru town. Unfortunately, Nasher ends up being blamed the most," he says.

However in order to restore order and rebuild public trust, Nasher Market has introduced several new measures.

They include having section heads being appointed for all eight market zones, having visible price tags on all products to prevent overcharging.

They have also rebranded 'strikers' as service providers to promote professionalism.

"We have met with over 200 service providers to educate them on how to approach customers respectfully. They complement the 1,400 stall traders working here and are part of the market’s ecosystem," Mr Chege says.

He added that most of the service providers are hardworking young people, including university students and small-scale entrepreneurs, who rely on the market to make a living.

“About 70 percent are genuine. It’s only a few rogue individuals who tarnish the market’s image,” he says.

The service providers have also agreed to help identify and expel individuals who engage in harassment or misconduct.

Mr Chege cited political interference as a major obstacle to enforcing market by-laws.
"Some of these service providers are linked to powerful politicians, which makes them feel untouchable," he says.

He revealed that the market had previously issued official ID badges to brokers in 2018 in an attempt to improve accountability, but that this initiative had collapsed due to political interference.

“We are asking leaders to stop interfering with market management so that we can rebuild confidence among our clients,” he saiys.

The County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Trade, Stephen Kuria, confirmed that the county government is aware of the harassment complaints.

He says that attempts to use enforcement officers to address the issue had been thwarted by political interference and the absence of legislation governing market brokers.

“Whenever we arrest someone, they call a political leader and are released. Without clear laws, it’s hard to take firm action,” Mr Kuria says.

The county is now planning a multisectoral meeting to devise long-term solutions and ensure that Nakuru's markets are safe, welcoming and well regulated for all shoppers.